The Handmaid’s Tale, a dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood, has spawned a plethora of merchandise since its television adaptation in 2017. From T-shirts with quotes from the book to Funko Pop figurines of the characters, The Handmaid’s Tale merchandise is ubiquitous. However, it’s important to deconstruct these items and understand how they relate to the narrative of the story.
The most common type of merchandise is clothing adorned with phrases from the novel. “Nolite te bastardes carborundorum” – Latin for ‘don’t let the bastards grind you down’ – is one such phrase that frequently appears on T-shirts and sweatshirts. This quote encapsulates Offred’s defiant spirit in her oppressive society and serves as an empowering mantra for fans who wear these garments.
However, commercializing such phrases can be seen as trivializing their significance within The Handmaid’s Tale store narrative deals with serious themes like sexual oppression and totalitarianism; using them as slogans on everyday items might dilute their impact or even make light of them. Therefore it’s crucial to consider whether this kind of merchandising respects or undermines Atwood’s powerful storytelling.
Another popular item among fans are Funko Pop figurines modelled after characters from The Handmaid’s Tale series: Offred (June), Serena Joy, Aunt Lydia etc. These collectibles serve two purposes: they allow fans to physically manifest their connection with the story and also provide an opportunity for critical analysis through physical representation.
These figurines capture subtle details about each character that reflect their roles within Gilead society – Offred in her red cloak symbolizing fertility and subjugation; Serena Joy in teal representing wives’ higher status but limited freedom; Aunt Lydia in brown showcasing her authoritative role over handmaids etc. They offer a tangible way for fans to engage with complex societal hierarchies presented in The Handmaid’s Tale.
However, there’s a paradox in turning characters from a dystopian narrative about oppression into cute collectibles. It raises questions about how we as consumers interact with stories that depict suffering and injustice. Are we trivializing the narrative or are these items simply a form of fan engagement?
In conclusion, The Handmaid’s Tale merchandise offers fans an opportunity to physically connect with the story and its characters. However, it’s essential to deconstruct these items and consider their implications on the narrative. They can either serve as powerful symbols of resistance against oppression or risk trivializing serious themes within the story. As consumers, it is our responsibility to engage critically with such merchandise and ensure that they respect rather than undermine the essence of The Handmaid’s Tale.
